I was born in Spokane WA, but grew up in South Seattle (White Center/Burien area). I went to grade school and High School (Kennedy HS) in Seattle. I served in the United States Air Force at Fairchild AFB in Spokane and attended College in Cheney, WA and Spokane, WA. Between military service and returning to school, I worked for Prudential Insurance Company (a Piece of the Rock), a TV/Stereo/Appliance store, and The Bon Marche. During my working career, I did volunteer work for United Way of King County, Dale Carnegie Training, North Bend Food Bank, and Snoqualmie Valley Hospital.
My education credentials are an MS in Communications (Eastern Washington University), a BS in Organizational Communication (Eastern Washington University), and an AA Liberal Arts (Highline Community College).
I have extensive experience in developing and delivering training in our organizational world. Here are a few examples of my work: I contributed to 1998 national sales training for Subaru of America, and 1999 customer service training for Kia Motors of America. Helped out on training manual for Catepillar Inc. Wrote and delivered several sales, leadership, conflict management, and customer service training for organizations in retail, manufacturing, and education.
I drink Miller beer (I try many microbrews; but, still come back to the High Life) and salmon fish in Puget Sound. The two go together well! Also, I golf, snow ski, and go boating (usually I am trying to fish). My residence is in Des Moines, WA where you can find me wondering around the marina often (still can't get Anthony's to bring in a keg of Miller--have to go to the Yardarm for a cold draft).
After 18 years in the business world as a salesperson and sales manager, I began my career in education. At the age of 42, I returned to college (I understand the challenges of returning to school in later years). I was on the 23 year program for my AA degree! In 1997, I started my teaching career at Eastern Washington University. In 1999, I started teaching as an adjunct instructor at Highline and Green River Community Colleges. Courses I have taught: Communication, Interviewing, Public Speaking, Leadership, Small Group Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Persuasion, and Intercultural Communication.
"Set goals, be prepared, be excellent in something, and do your best!" --Rod Mattson
"Everyone has an opportunity(s) come her/his way--be prepared!" --Rod Mattson
"If you chase the money, you will never have enough, if you do what you love, you will never work and you will always have enough." --Unknown
As I tell everyone, I have not worked a day in my life since I started teaching! I will try to pass my enthusiasm on to you.